tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45171972893867163362014-10-04T20:39:55.450-07:00The Dominican DaddyThe Dominican Daddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10831473400205094011noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4517197289386716336.post-1125115054749968702009-02-10T21:46:00.000-08:002009-02-10T22:54:59.787-08:00Who Started Hockey Anyway?!?!What is hockey? The <a href="http://www.sihrhockey.org/" title="External link to the Society for International Hockey Research">Society for International Hockey Research</a> has issued a definition meant to accommodate early forms of the activity: Hockey is a game played on an ice rink in which two opposing teams of skaters, using curved sticks, try to drive a small disc, ball or block into or through the opposite goals.<br /><br />It is as simple as that. There is no reference to rules. I personally accept hockey as any pastime where participants on ice skates use a club, or other wooden implement, to knock a puck or some such propellant around the ice. Others say an activity cannot be recognized as hockey unless it is a contest between teams and conducted under an accepted set of rules. On most days I would have said "Screw the rules". However, as a referee I can not say that anymore. Andy would make sure of that. Games bearing some resemblance to hockey are known to have taken place in Europe as early as the sixteenth century. A painting by Pietr Bruegel entitled "Hunters in the Snow" (circa 1565), depicts skaters carrying curved sticks. One of these figures is about to fire off the first slap shot with a small object on the ice. We have suspicions that it was VJ's "Team Elder" John Lawerence, but they are just suspicions. He was probably too young to be on the ice back then. <p>The earliest skate blades were fashioned from animal bones. If they were trying to play hockey, can you imagine the panic that caused when they fell and one of those animal bones went sliding across the ice? "Shit JD! "Is that from your shoulder?!?!" That is likely why polished iron blades were used after that in the 1500s.<br /></p><p>So, modern research points to North America as the region where the idea of hockey as a sport came from. Versions of the game are said to have happened in New York and Newfoundland as early as the late eighteenth century. The International Ice Hockey Federation has endorsed a longstanding Montréal claim. It is based on documented evidence, in newspapers, of a specific game between two teams of identified members and a recorded score. The match was played at the city's Victoria Rink on <a href="http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/hockey/024002-119.01-e.php?hockey_id_nbr=3&amp;PHPSESSID=kurlfoh7t8c9nkmri6ebh7r831">March 3, 1875</a>. No earlier descriptions of an actual game of hockey with a recorded score have ever been found. But to make it official, it ended in a brawl and there was beer on hand. We think John was likely there and involved some way. We just can't prove it... </p>The Dominican Daddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10831473400205094011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4517197289386716336.post-90833267687249208152009-01-28T22:43:00.000-08:002009-01-30T23:11:34.283-08:00The Future of HockeySo what about the new generation of hockey player? Will they be stronger, faster and smarter? Will they be more accurate? Will they be any better? Will they love it at much as we do? Since the only constant in life is change, we can bet that the next generation will break our records proving that they can be better. But will they love it as much as we do? On my dad's birthday I asked him about his favorite sport which was wrestling. He was pretty proud to say his sons were better at wrestling than he ever was and I started to think about that experience. I remember growing up listening to him shout encouragement and tap his temple remind me to "Think at least 3 moves ahead". He helped me perfect the sit out move and roll the mats out after matches. He knew my coaches by first middle and last name. He got me the lightest shoes and knew how many stitches I had at all times. He loved wrestling. As the next generation came along, he helped me become a better wrestler than he was. I guess Darwin had a point. So with this in mind, I took Gracie out to shovel the pond for the IFHL Pond Hockey Classic. I am not sure if I have committed any child labor violations but I did have Gracie on the pond sweeping for almost 3 hours this afternoon with no snacks or naps.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SYPxAZopTmI/AAAAAAAAAOo/sYuJzo0Eomg/s1600-h/Gracie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SYPxAZopTmI/AAAAAAAAAOo/sYuJzo0Eomg/s400/Gracie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297342575901494882" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SYP2griVXtI/AAAAAAAAAOw/V63EVxYJnXw/s1600-h/pondupdate.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SYP2griVXtI/AAAAAAAAAOw/V63EVxYJnXw/s400/pondupdate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297348628020813522" border="0" /></a><br />She supervised and directed Rhett and I on the proper technique of shoveling. Like all good leaders she got in there and worked with us. She had a ball. I guess if I had to place a bet I'd bet that she will love hockey like I do. The future is safe for the time being.The Dominican Daddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10831473400205094011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4517197289386716336.post-35887563893011490792009-01-09T21:47:00.000-08:002009-01-18T23:50:13.464-08:00IFLH Hockey ClassicPreparations were well underway for the inaugural <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">IFLH</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Palouse</span></span> Pond Hockey Classic. It was to be held at the soon to be sentenced "Dr. Dipsticks" pond at some point in the winter of 2009. A couple of weeks ago it got pretty chilly here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cowtown</span></span> so the "I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fu</span></span>#^<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ing</span></span> Love Hockey" crew banded together to scrape the ice, drink beer, and brag about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">committment</span>. On the first scrape there were 7 tools and a frozen pond.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SXQubP3jlCI/AAAAAAAAAIo/uWE92K5tlw4/s1600-h/pond.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SXQubP3jlCI/AAAAAAAAAIo/uWE92K5tlw4/s320/pond.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292906507718071330" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The new Canadian "Dr. Dipstick" from Fla (go figure) worked his new truck into a snow pile and 5 of his lackeys (one step below "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">hoser</span></span>" since they just scraped the ice and didn't <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">actually</span> hose the ice) had to dig him out. Notice how many of them are actually digging. It took them a while...<br /><br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TJAYCL%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-9.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TJAYCL%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-10.jpg" alt="" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SWzT4LTnXvI/AAAAAAAAAIg/lfNfGUd3094/s1600-h/rhett+stuck.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SWzT4LTnXvI/AAAAAAAAAIg/lfNfGUd3094/s320/rhett+stuck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290836624314687218" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At the end of the day, the beer got drank, Don Cherry reruns were played and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">KLImaxxx's</span> level of commitment was called into question. This is the question of the week. Does he <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">truly</span> love hockey? Short Fat Kid thinks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">KLImaxxx</span> adores parts of hockey. George the Gringo thinks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">he</span> just has sex with hockey. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Childers</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Greek</span> for "outside the zone") suggests that he may have a crush on hockey. So lets let the crowd decide. We will see who's idea gets the most votes and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">declare</span> it "The Truth". Vote this week on the poll. For a little history check out http://palousepondhockey.blogspot.com/ .The Dominican Daddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10831473400205094011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4517197289386716336.post-28403339487068989602009-01-06T17:06:00.000-08:002009-01-06T17:10:28.783-08:00Skier Suffers Exposure - January 6, 2009This is why I play hockey. Click on the link and read up on Moonlight skiing at Vail. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2009/0106091vail1.html">Skier Suffers Exposure - January 6, 2009</a>The Dominican Daddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10831473400205094011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4517197289386716336.post-83487501214487151632009-01-06T17:02:00.000-08:002009-01-08T14:31:54.537-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SWWY_hbDMWI/AAAAAAAAAIA/qBKMljVPtVA/s1600-h/2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SWWY_hbDMWI/AAAAAAAAAIA/qBKMljVPtVA/s320/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288801554487521634" border="0" /></a><br />So what about fighting in hockey?<br /><p>Although it is not allowed at PIRA, fighting is what sets Ice Hockey apart from other sport. It has a long history throughout amateur and pro play. Although it has been a definite source of criticism, fighting continues to pack the stands and it is encouraged. Ever heard "I went to a fight over at the pond and a hockey game broke out."? People live to see grown men fight on a slippery surface. Every team has an enforcer. He is the "fighter",<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>"tough guy" or "goon".<br /></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SWWf8Szj1TI/AAAAAAAAAII/_vzggvwcA_Q/s1600-h/3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SWWf8Szj1TI/AAAAAAAAAII/_vzggvwcA_Q/s320/3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288809195605579058" border="0" /></a></p><p>An enforcer's job is to deter and respond to dirty or violent play by the opposition. When such play occurs, the enforcer is expected to respond. Some times the goon is the goalie. Take the Dominican Daddy's hero Ron Hextal for example:</p><p> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8_wrJpRDaU </p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SWWkGCkxElI/AAAAAAAAAIY/6Gyf6lhQhF4/s1600-h/ron+hextal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 197px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SWWkGCkxElI/AAAAAAAAAIY/6Gyf6lhQhF4/s320/ron+hextal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288813761093767762" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br />So why do they take off their helmets during a fight? Why not protect that pretty mug?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SWWhwskAe6I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/LR6kotqiQOg/s1600-h/bloodyroy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 316px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SWWhwskAe6I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/LR6kotqiQOg/s320/bloodyroy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288811195384495010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">The only rule for face protection during a fight that I could find is if a player penalized as an instigator of an altercation is wearing a face shield (including the Dominican Daddy), he shall be assessed an additional unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Should the player who instigates the fight be wearing a face shield, but removes it before instigating the altercation, the additional unsportsmanlike conduct penalty shall not apply.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Certainly part of the reason is a sort of a Victorian-era code that still lives deep in the heart of the game. NHL players who choose to wear visors are regularly subject to harassment by their peers on the ice. </span><br /><br />It is my guess fighting will always be a part of hockey in the NHL. Why don't we do in in Moscow? I guess we would rather drink beer out of numbered mugs and talk about Don Cherry re-runs. <br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TJAYCL%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-7.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TJAYCL%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-8.jpg" alt="" />The Dominican Daddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10831473400205094011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4517197289386716336.post-63010703618122396012008-12-31T19:13:00.001-08:002009-01-01T23:32:36.737-08:00New Years Resolutions<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Happy new year!!! 2009 should be a good one. 2008 certainly was eventful. This is the time when I reflect on the past and consider the coming year. Here are a few of my memories from this year. Please share yours as a comment.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">In 2008 I:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">1. was the first ever team goalie for VJ's. This is a team that started together in the Rec league and has been together ever since. We are 7 games in and we are 4-2-1 on the season. Not bad. I have a 81.5% save average. Could be better. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">2. got my own goalie pads and helmet. This was nice because I did not have to share the rink pads anymore. I took advantage of a short fat kid and kind of stole em. It was easy. Like lunch money...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">3. got my referee's license. I lernt the rulz. Come to find out, I have a set of rules that only apply to me as a goalie. For example, if a goaltender acts in such a way that would cause a normal player to be given a penalty, such as slashing or tripping another player, the goaltender cannot be sent to the penalty box...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">4. played in a game where it was so foggy that I could not see the other goalie. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">5. was there the moment Marty got his Mary Janes goalie jersey. At a time in his life when the world seemed to be shooting to his weak side, his friend from Gunni gave him the biggest smile you can imagine. Zach told him that he was a part of the family. He was so touched at that moment that he forgot his dad on the way up the hill. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">6. made a trip to McCall for a little summer hockey. Andy, Tony, JD, Zach, Tom, Brandon, Troy, Leith, Mike, Jerry, Alan, and Nate. We didn't win any games but we drank a lot...</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">So that was what I did in 2008. The big question is, What will I do in 2009?</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I will play more hockey.<br /></span><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVxHSNlbMOI/AAAAAAAAAGI/PWSUqb5rQ5k/s1600-h/IMG_7958.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVxHSNlbMOI/AAAAAAAAAGI/PWSUqb5rQ5k/s320/IMG_7958.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286178440835969250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span>2. I will be careful when I drink with anyone who has a numbered mug.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVw3LkRFPPI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/zCrz76falyY/s1600-h/drunk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVw3LkRFPPI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/zCrz76falyY/s320/drunk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286160734479531250" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /></span><span>3. I will watch my speed on my bicycle this year.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVw1Liqr4QI/AAAAAAAAAFA/0S28_FP4Dd4/s1600-h/speedlimit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 172px; height: 212px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVw1Liqr4QI/AAAAAAAAAFA/0S28_FP4Dd4/s320/speedlimit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286158535026794754" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span>4. I will figure out how to defend Rhett's "Deke" move and Zach's top shelf shot.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVw90VB-AvI/AAAAAAAAAGA/7IS88TNqH6Y/s1600-h/TwoGoalies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 275px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVw90VB-AvI/AAAAAAAAAGA/7IS88TNqH6Y/s320/TwoGoalies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286168031834014450" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />5. I will work understand exactly what they are trying to say in my 2007-09 Official Rules and Casebook.<br /><br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVw9I5Lx0KI/AAAAAAAAAF4/RAYEnA6E05g/s1600-h/GoalieSwear.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVw9I5Lx0KI/AAAAAAAAAF4/RAYEnA6E05g/s320/GoalieSwear.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286167285624590498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. I will be nice to JD's dog.</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVw5VaJOUPI/AAAAAAAAAFg/AGgHoAgM7YM/s1600-h/ohshit2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVw5VaJOUPI/AAAAAAAAAFg/AGgHoAgM7YM/s320/ohshit2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286163102584164594" border="0" /></a>The Dominican Daddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10831473400205094011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4517197289386716336.post-56222624167005662302008-12-28T20:04:00.000-08:002009-01-01T23:49:58.145-08:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Christmas week was a little slow in Cowtown at the Palouse Ice Rink. I showed up for 2 open hockey sessions and were both unattended. So, the Dominican Daddy took the hint and pointed the Scubaru north on Hwy 95 to drop in on the "Old Timer" for a couple of days. North Idaho has been getting a little snow and wind so the trip took a little longer than it does in June. There were something like 14 cars moving at 40 mph for 90 miles. Thankfully I have nerves of steel. What kind of music do you listen to for that? I suggest easy listening. My Co-Pilot Euch played a little Andean music to calm my nerves. Flutes and pipes. Patience is a must in a storm that leaves snow by the foot.<br /><br />So after 2.5 hrs, Euch was asleep, the music had played twice over and my patience was gone. I slid the truck into a nice hockey stop in the driveway at Sister Toots and raced to the door. My timing was perfect. I found the Old Timer working on a taco dinner. Tacos on Christmas eve should be a tradition. "I'll take four please. "<br /><br />Christmas was great. The Old Timer and I started at the Dominican Daddy's Daddy's Daddy's and Mommy's place for a little breakfast, a few gifts and a talk about all the snow. At 90 years old they were ready for siesta by about 10 am. From there we journeyed north to Uncle Jacks Cabin. There is a whole blog about uncle Jack that just needs to be written. Jack is 60 something years old. He is down to one arm (there is a story about it) and lives happily on top of a mountain with a pad of paper, a pencil for pictures and a pencil for letters, a guitar, prosthetic hook and a carton of cigarettes. He built his 3000 square foot house from lumber scrap taken from yards and state parks through north Idaho over the past 15 years. He voluntarily lives there year round with no power, no running water, no sewer or phone. He just sits up there and lives simply. Right now he is under 5 - 6 feet of snow and has no plans to leave for at least 3 weeks. To find him, we had to hike 2 miles up an unplowed road. I don't like smoking much but I somehow felt inclined to drop him a carton of lights for Christmas. Something about an old dog and new tricks. I think he was actually happier to see the smokes than he was to see me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVnKYvLIp7I/AAAAAAAAAEg/JZWr9ZgOhDc/s1600-h/IMG_7710.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVnKYvLIp7I/AAAAAAAAAEg/JZWr9ZgOhDc/s320/IMG_7710.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285478164024829874" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />So the day after Christmas the old timer and I decided to head to the family homestead up in the Idaho panhandle near the Canada border. My great grandfather built the place 55 years ago. Priest Lake is the Dominican Daddy's favorite place on the planet. It is nestled in the Selkirk mountain range coming out of Canada and has been home to 5 generations of my family.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVhN4313HTI/AAAAAAAAAEY/tb4pQ6VZ4E4/s1600-h/100_4882.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVhN4313HTI/AAAAAAAAAEY/tb4pQ6VZ4E4/s320/100_4882.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285059802177150258" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Priest Lake is just about ready to skate on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVhM9MS20KI/AAAAAAAAAEA/SV7tfxqRTP4/s1600-h/100_4883.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVhM9MS20KI/AAAAAAAAAEA/SV7tfxqRTP4/s320/100_4883.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285058776875323554" border="0" /></a><br />Another couple of weeks and we can send the short fat kid out to check it for depth.<br /><br />The Old Timer said my stick stick handling was weak at best and put me to work on the driveway. I shoveled and moved snow for 5 hours each day for 3 days.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVhNOM6itBI/AAAAAAAAAEI/7tyXiDUcwfg/s1600-h/100_4896.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVhNOM6itBI/AAAAAAAAAEI/7tyXiDUcwfg/s320/100_4896.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285059069099553810" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So that has been my Christmas so far. I am waiting for the New Year. I suspect my next blog should be on resolutions . I hope you have a great New Year!!!The Dominican Daddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10831473400205094011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4517197289386716336.post-22690057249849833822008-12-23T18:33:00.000-08:002008-12-30T10:16:17.677-08:00Twas the night before...<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;">T’was the night before face-off and all through the rink,<br /> JD, Rhett, and Andy were all starting to drink;<br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;">The Ale House cups got filled by Erin with care,<br /> In hopes that no more goalies soon would be there;<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;">Gracie, the little pucker, was nestled all snug in her bed,<br /> Whiles visions of game winning goals danced in her head.<br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;">And Rose with her cocoa and I with my rolled hat,<br /> Had just settled down for a phat winters nap.<br /> When across the fairgrounds there arose such a clatter,<br /> I sprang from the bench to see what was the matter.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;">Away to the window I flew like a puck,<br /> Tore open the gate and shouted "What the heck".<br /> The moon shone on the ice and goons in the snow,<br /> It was a picture of hockey with all objects in tow.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;">When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,<br /> But a black zamboni sleigh and eight fat white tail deer,<br /> With a crippled driver, so lively and hammy,<br /> I knew in a moment it must be Rachel on the Zammi.<br /></span></span><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;font-size:100%;" >Faster n Marty, her giant leg brace it came,<br /> As she whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;<br /> “On Alan! On Walt! Hey Uno and Jerry! On Zach! On Max! Wheres Weeda? and Hey Mary!<br /> To the top of boards! To the top of the wall!<br /> Now skate away! Skate away! Skate away all!”</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;font-size:100%;" >Thousands of new pucks fell from Rachel's sleigh it started to fly,<br /> She soared over the ice and into the sky.<br /> So up to the rink top courses they flew,<br /> With the sleigh full of score books, sticks, oh, and the rink phone too.<br /> And then, in a twinkling, I heard by the main gate,<br /> The prancing and prowling of little elf skates.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;font-size:100%;" >So I drew in my goal glove, and was turning around,<br /> When down the chimney she came with a bound!<br /> She was dressed in EMT gear from her head down to her cane,<br /> And her jersey was all tarnished with blood and smoke stains;<br /> A pair of new skates she had flung on her back,<br />For the Dominican Daddy as she opened her pack.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;font-size:100%;" ><br /> A wink of her eye and a twist of her mug,<br /> She spilled some of her eggnog on Euchie my dog;<br /> She spoke not a word, but went straight to her task,<br /> And slarfed down the milk and cookies quite fast.<br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;font-size:100%;" >Now laying her glove side finger against her pink nose,<br />She gave a big huff and up the rink chimney she rose;<br /> She sprang to her black Zamboni Sleigh, to her team gave a whistle,<br /> And away they all flew like a puck or a missile.<br /></span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;font-size:100%;" >I heard her yell as she Zammed out of sight,<br />A Hockey Christmas to all, and to all... a good-hockey-night.</span><b><span style="color: rgb(204, 255, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;" ><br /></span></b></p><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(204, 255, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;" ><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: rgb(204, 255, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular;" ><br /><br /></span></b>The Dominican Daddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10831473400205094011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4517197289386716336.post-90539300950507962642008-12-20T21:08:00.000-08:002008-12-23T15:30:21.311-08:00How do I play hockey?After months of harassing phone calls and threatening e-mails, my friend Berk decided to give the slippery side of life a try. "OK! I give in! Tell me Mr. Dominican Daddy, how do I play hockey?"<br />"Meet me at the rink and I'll show you." I said. Finally! I had the opportunity to catch a stick and puck session with him. As I took in a deep breathe to sigh my sigh of victory, I realized that my nose hairs were stuck together. The thermometer was stuck at -10. What a great day for hockey! I wonder if I should have told him to dress warm. Never mind. He will bring gloves for sure... I was just happy to set him up on a kickstand and let him wander with a puck. He is an exceptional athlete when it comes to turning wide right. I see great potential. At first he struggled a little with reverse. No big surprise. I know many people that have been trying reverse now for 2 seasons without success. Berkley is a quick study of hockey though. By the end of the session he could go from end to end backward and turn wide to the left. What can I say? He was coached by a goalie..."Knees bent! Head up! Get your glove up! Watch the angle. Butterfly Position!" I am not sure how much it helped, but at least he can skate backward now.<br /><br />So the basic principle of hockey is simple. Hockey is a game played on ice in which two opposing teams of skaters, using curved sticks, try to drive a puck into the opponent's goal. It seems pretty simple and most should agree that this is what you do when you play hockey. But my friend Berk wanted to know<span style="font-weight: bold;"> how</span> to play hockey. There are so many ways to play hockey. My suggestion would be either goalie, skater, fan, or referee. The nice thing about hockey is that hockey fits most anyone. Here are a few guide lines to help you decide how to pick your style of how to play:<br /><br />The goalie job is pretty simple.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SU8UfDf3nHI/AAAAAAAAACg/QrELXSB52yo/s1600-h/Goal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SU8UfDf3nHI/AAAAAAAAACg/QrELXSB52yo/s320/Goal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282463411676355698" border="0" /></a><br />An incredibly short memory helps. Forget the last goal and play the here and now. Glove up, stick flat on the ice. Stop the puck. That is the Dominican Daddy's perspective anyway.<br /><br /><br />Skating on the other hand is a little different...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SU8avHfvUdI/AAAAAAAAACw/O1HIriehV9c/s1600-h/thumbnail.aspx"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 116px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SU8avHfvUdI/AAAAAAAAACw/O1HIriehV9c/s320/thumbnail.aspx" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282470284697227730" border="0" /></a><br />If you ask a skater how to play hockey, a likely response might be "Take the puck down to the other end of the ice. Protect the blue line and do whatever you have to do to get the puck in the net. Don't let the guy in all those sissy pads keep you from putting it in the net. Ignore him. Pretend he is not there. Shoot around him. He can't move with all those pads on..."<br /><br /><br /><br />To be a fan takes great energy and time...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SU8c1p7LQVI/AAAAAAAAADA/67iKX7czyYA/s1600-h/9891215912571.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SU8c1p7LQVI/AAAAAAAAADA/67iKX7czyYA/s320/9891215912571.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282472596041580882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />"Fans" are marked or motivated by an extreme, unreasoning enthusiasm for hockey. Fans can get a little emotional at times. No one loves hockey more. They are as much a part of the game as the player is. The fan knows more about hockey than the players, coaches and refs combined. The best fan sees every play and every missed call. They know all the rules that aren't even in the rule book yet. They know the best match ups and have the best advice for the players. All things considered though, I am not sure if I would really want to ask a fan how to play hockey.<br /><br /><br /><br />Hopefully the referee would have the best advice when asked how to play hockey...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SU3PsKtEuNI/AAAAAAAAACQ/TklU_8Hp_K8/s1600-h/293-hockey.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 313px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SU3PsKtEuNI/AAAAAAAAACQ/TklU_8Hp_K8/s320/293-hockey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282106295670061266" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This advice comes from the best seat in the house. The referee skates up and down the ice, in and out of the game. If the ref sees a part of the game he does not like, he toots his whistle and they do it again until he does like it. A good ref does not care who wins or loses. They just love to help facilitate a great game of hockey. A good ref should probably advise you to play any way you want as long as its within the guidelines of the rules. One of the nice things about being a ref is the help you get from the peanut gallery. Its nice to know that someone far more educated on the rules of hockey and their application is always there to help the ref make a decision. Especially when the ref is not sure what to do.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So, that is the best info I could give Berkley on how to play hockey. For certain there is something for everyone in hockey. He may not be ready to go out and buy a pair of skates yet but there is time yet this season for another round. Next time will see if he likes a size 42 boot better, and I will bring an extra pair of gloves.The Dominican Daddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10831473400205094011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4517197289386716336.post-49018627047533025322008-12-20T18:21:00.000-08:002008-12-22T12:06:32.422-08:00Spicin it up Dominican StyleAfter the exhibition game the other night I was at the Alehouse. Roll Call: The short fat kid was there munching on chicken wings and talking about how he was going to trespass on this guys property to shovel his pond so WE can have a winter classic. Next to JD was Zach who was pondering the likelihood of what JD was speaking into his ear. "We don't even have to call him. He won't care. Now about that 4 wheeler, those kegs, and that sump pump..." Zach just sat and sucked down suds from his "Dude Abides" mug that has paid for its self at least once. Liz had called down their beer so it would be ready when they got to the bar. She is an evil genius. So there I was... listening to Liz talk about how much fun she had at hockey tonight. She had some sort of move that went between her feet and ended up in the goal. It was a relaxed game and she scored a lot. Like 4 times or more. "... most fun I ever had on the ice" she says. About then I remembered that I was the goalie... I must admit that my purpose on the ice isn't always as clear until we talk about it at the Ale House after wards.<br />So for the 8 skaters, 6 bench warmers, and a red headed step child referee from "Gunni" (all whose only crime was coming to hockey that night) the Dominican Daddy treated his loyal fans with a rarely seen gesture by goalies. The Dominican Daddy spiced things up Dominican style. You may not know that the Dominican Republic is actually on a different planet and hockey is not the #1 sport. Actually the pride of all sports in the Dominican Republic is football. We call it soccer sometimes when we want to impress our American friends with our knowledge of sport. Anyhow, remember the header back in 1970 by Pele down in Mexico that started the best World Cup ever? Tonight the Dominican Daddy busted out with a little header action of his own. It's a move that he didn't have to practice. He just felt it. Twice... Two times he took snap shots and redirected the puck with a forehead fling over a pack of skaters all piled in the crease. With a precision not common to goalies he flipped it to a defender that could clear it. I guess in retrospect, his head was the only part of him that was not smart enough to get out of the way.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SU27oeAJKsI/AAAAAAAAAB4/wiy3ktbc50E/s1600-h/head_ball.thumb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 80px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SU27oeAJKsI/AAAAAAAAAB4/wiy3ktbc50E/s200/head_ball.thumb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282084241898285762" border="0" /></a>Anyway, go figure...The Dominican Daddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10831473400205094011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4517197289386716336.post-28749202876088729252008-12-14T22:56:00.000-08:002008-12-23T14:42:00.975-08:00The Dominican Daddy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SUaiRuTza2I/AAAAAAAAAAk/BGwU3trHZBA/s1600-h/IMG_8000.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SUaiRuTza2I/AAAAAAAAAAk/BGwU3trHZBA/s320/IMG_8000.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280086038511053666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Who is the Dominican Daddy? You might think of the 6'4" 240 lb David Ortiz.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SUa6cs4ov7I/AAAAAAAAAAs/bfs-PVm7F2Q/s1600-h/thumbnail.aspx"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 127px; height: 160px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SUa6cs4ov7I/AAAAAAAAAAs/bfs-PVm7F2Q/s200/thumbnail.aspx" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280112615386300338" border="0" /></a><br />He is a Dominican Daddy for sure. Great with the stick but more consistant with a glove. The Dominican Daddy I am talking about is close to 30 years old, is 5'6", with no hair, a bad shoulder, and a slightly different sense of humor. He protects the pipes with his $10 goalie stick and his lightening fast short stop like glove. He plays in the rarely used but surprisingly entertaining "Dominican Style". The Dominican Style lends itself to the incredible Dominican shortstop influence such as Golden Glove winner Miguel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tejada, or Orlando Cabrerra.</span><br /><br /><br />The pipes he protects are home to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">VJ's</span> BBQ goon squad. The leader of the squad is a short fat kid who hates to be called short. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVFnfYtxEzI/AAAAAAAAADI/93QrcI8fcY8/s1600-h/IMG_7907.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hwLkx0umpXI/SVFnfYtxEzI/AAAAAAAAADI/93QrcI8fcY8/s320/IMG_7907.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283117626790318898" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He is the inspiration for the Dominican Daddy. He F*C***G LOVES HOCKEY!!! His high octane offense is powered by two guys named Jeff. Young Skippy is atop the league in scores and can't be stopped. Jones is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">VJ's</span> veteran trained in the art of sharp shooting and intercepting the puck. Veteran skater, champion coach and statistics mastermind Andy stays at the top of the league in assists and scores. With him comes another power wing man. As the old man on the team John serves as a veteran player, local softball super hero, and Ale House <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">gimmee</span>.<br /><br /><br />In charge of keeping the puck as far from the Dominican Daddy as possible is the short fat kid. JD will do anything to keep it away from the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Dominican</span> Daddy. He skates <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">right side</span> up, upside down, forward, backward, and everything <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">in between</span>. He is heard from anywhere in the building citing the legendary Marty's "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">AWWW</span> MAN! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">HOWD</span> DAT GET IN <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">NERE</span>?!?!?" The goon we call Joanne is a ferocious protector of the blue line. She is one of the original skaters for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">VJ's</span>. She is one of the most enthusiastic and reliable skaters <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">VJ's</span> has ever seen. A <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">corner</span> stone of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">VJ's</span> team. Rec. League coach and goalie extraordinaire, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Leith</span> is a notorious hockey junkie. He protects the Dominican Daddy with tenacity as he knows the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Dominican</span> style well and may not trust it...<br /><br />So that is the VJS squad. The Dominican Daddy, his $10 stick, a golden glove, and a team of goons are all that we need to have a good time.The Dominican Daddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10831473400205094011noreply@blogger.com3